External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, reiterating India’s firm position against terrorism. Without directly naming Pakistan, Jaishankar referred to a country as a “serial practitioner of terrorism” and accused it of misrepresenting facts before the UN in an apparent reference to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s previous-day address. Jaishankar said attempts to normalise terrorism or seek immunity from its consequences would not succeed. He stressed that India would continue exercising its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for governments supporting cross-border terrorism to be held accountable. He also reiterated India’s zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, including action against its financial networks. On the Palestine issue, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for a two-state solution, describing it as necessary for durable and lasting peace. He also highlighted humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for Palestinians amid continuing tensions in West Asia.
